The International Free Dorje Campaign

Dorje Gurung, a chemistry teacher from Nepal who had been teaching in Qatar, was jailed earlier this month on charges of insulting Islam. When news of this broke on Thursday, 9 May, Dorje's friends and contacts quickly came to his support. What ensued was four days of frantic, energised, round-the-clock campaigning. Then, on Monday, 13 May, Dorje was released from jail. How was international pressure built up so quickly and effectively? Piecing together bits and pieces from the social media trail, this timeline attempts to tell the story of the international Free Dorje campaign.

#FreeDorje trends in Nepal

The #FreeDorje hashtag is trending in Nepal

Doha News: Dorje At Court

Dorje is brought before a lower court. If convicted, Article 256 of the Penal Code stipulates that he could face up to seven years in jail.

'Free Dorje Gurung' Facebook Page created

The Facebook page will be a platform to keep friends and supporters updated, as well as to coordinate efforts globally.

Online Petition Created @ Change.ORG

An online petition, titled "Government Of Qatar: Release Dorje Gurung", is created by Nathan Armogan.

PETITION MILESTONE: 1000

According to data provided by Change.Org, 1000 signatures are collected approximately 7 hours after the petition is created.

Formation of a Working Group

A 'Free Dorje Working Group' is created with the intention of building pressure and momentum as quickly as possible.

Letter Writing

Letters to the Qatari Embassy and the UWC International Committee are drafted.

Petition milestone: 7000

By the end of Friday, 10 May, 7000 people have signed the petition.

Petition Milestone: 9000

Around mid-afternoon Qatari time, the number of signatures edges past the 9000 mark.

Petition Milestone: 10000

Approximately 44 hours after the petition launched, 10000 people have signed.